Skillnet Ireland is a business support agency of the Government of Ireland. Our mandate is to advance the competitiveness of Irish businesses through enterprise-led talent development. Skillnet Ireland partners with more than 57 enterprise bodies, providing talent development, upskilling and innovative business supports to 24,035 businesses and 90,136 workers throughout the country every year. The agency has been recognised as an international best-practice model by the European Commission, the OECD and the ILO, among others.
Our mission is to "help businesses in Ireland to be the best they can be, through innovative and enterprise-driven people development". We partner directly with companies and industry groups to ensure we understand their needs and talent priorities. We also help companies to understand and embrace innovation, to build business competitiveness through skills development.
Skillnet Ireland is funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. We are looking for a skilled Programme Coordinator to support the Business Networks Team with administrative and coordination functions. This team oversees the effective management of all activities related to Skillnet Business Networks.
The successful candidate will play an essential role within the Business Networks Team, reporting directly to the Head of Network Development and Innovation. In this position, you will work closely with Development Advisors and other team members to facilitate the tracking and completion of key deliverables for proposals, projects, and funding. The role will also provide support for the implementation of funding awarded through Ireland's Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST) Programme, co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).
Additionally, you will coordinate cross-departmental initiatives within Skillnet Ireland, liaising with other functions to enhance interdepartmental cooperation.
Key Responsibilities
Programme Coordination
* Provide support in managing and coordinating grants and funding processes, ensuring smooth operations and timely assistance to networks.
* Assist in organising and maintaining a cohesive schedule of key activities, including proposal calls and industry events, to align with team objectives.
* Contribute to the effective coordination and progress of strategic and operational projects within the team, fostering alignment and collaboration.
* Assist in the planning and delivery of Business Network Team-related meetings, workshops, webinars, and events, including coordination, agenda preparation, and follow-up, for activities relating to Core ESF+ funding.
* Support the EU Programme Manager to track the implementation of ESF+ projects across Skillnet Business Networks and National Initiatives, including project evaluation, risk identification, and mitigation.
* Deliver ESF+ Training to both the Network community and to the Skillnet Ireland team.
General Administration
* Coordinate internal team meetings and team-wide communications to Networks
* Provide general support to the Business Networks Team on Network-related activities.
* Assist in the preparation of presentations and materials for the Team.
* Facilitate effective communication and collaboration within the Business Networks Team to support its objectives.
* Contribute to Network-related initiatives, providing comprehensive support across various team activities.
* Play a key role in developing presentations and materials that enhance team outreach and engagement.
* Ensure information management is well-organised, accessible, and aligned with data retention standards to support team efficiency.
* Support continuous improvement by enhancing internal workflows and processes for smoother team operations.
* Support contributions to the wider Skillnet Team by being a key representative on cross-functional Working Groups.
* Ownership of ESF+ queries submitted via Happy Fox Ticketing System.
Essential Qualifications
* A third-level qualification or equivalent professional qualification is desirable.
* Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Excel, PowerPoint and Word).
Essential Experience/Skills
* 3 years of previous experience in a similar role.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills.
* Ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously while paying strict attention to detail.
Desirable Qualifications/Experience
* Project Management Tools experience (Asana or equivalent).
* CRM Experience (Microsoft Dynamics or similar).
* Experience working with government agencies, industry bodies, or key stakeholders.
Application Details
Interested candidates should send a comprehensive CV, which outlines why they should be considered for this position. Applications can only be made using the Skillnet Ireland Careers page. The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1 pm, Friday, 13th February 2026.
An attractive and competitive package will be offered to the successful candidate.
Skillnet Ireland is currently operating a hybrid working model for individuals and roles that meet the business needs and the criteria of suitability.
Skillnet Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer that values equity, diversity and inclusion as we recognise the benefits it can bring to our workforce, our partners and external stakeholders.
If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please do not hesitate to contact us.